First Sunday in Advent

 Sunday, November 30, 2025

Advent wreath at Grace. 

Advent

Earth grown old, yet still so green,

  Deep beneath her crust of cold

Nurses fire unfelt, unseen:

  Earth grown old.

  We who live are quickly told: 

Millions more lie hid between

  Inner swathings of her fold. 

When will fire break up her screen?

  When will life burst thro' her mould?

Earth, earth, earth, thy cold is keen,

  Earth grown old. 

                                 -Christina Rossetti

Holiday Season 2025 - Shopping and A Tree

 Saturday, November 29, 2025

Shopping with Noel at the antique shop this afternoon.

We cut it short due to snowy weather conditions. 

Put a tree up in my room. 

Holiday Season 2028 - Christmas Wreath

Friday, November 28, 2025

Got the new Christmas wreath up today. 

Holiday Season 2025 - New Tree Decorated

 Friday, November 28, 2025

Finished decorating the new Christmas tree today. 

Thanksgiving 2025 - Oh, You Turkey Coloring Contest

 Thursday, November 27, 2025

During our breaks in between cooking and cleaning up the house to get ready for Mom's visit Dale and I relaxed while watching the parade. I worked on coloring my turkey for the Strib's coloring contest - not that I'll submit it. I've been coloring this most years since I was a kid. 

Turned out alright. 

I think it's fridge worthy. 

Thanksgiving 2025 - Dinner

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Got the table set for the big meal. 

Pulled out the Fall Fiestaware colors. 

The preparation was overall seamless and stress free. Dinner was fantastic. When I drove Mom home she told me what a wonderful time she had. 

Thanksgiving 2025 - Good Morning!

Thursday, November 27, 2025 

Thanksgiving is here and were getting a little sun to go with it. Snowed yesterday overnight. The above picture is the view from our front stoop.

This is the view from the back stoop. 

Tuned in to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at 8:30 am. Some highlights:

Cynthia Erivo opened the parade.

Debbie Gibson sang my favorite Debbie Gibson song, Only In My Dreams. 

Darlene Love sang Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). 

The Rockettes performed. 

And, as always, Santa showed up at the end. 

We got the turkey in at noon. 

The dog show came on after the parade....

Which was my cue to play Puppies Are Forever by Sia. This song drives Dale nuts but I usually play it for him to help ring in the holiday music season with the promise I won't play it again until next year. 

Also got started on the Stribs turkey coloring contest.